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syz's avatar

Is there something about how spam is distributed that makes it come in waves?

Asked by syz (35938points) March 25th, 2013

It seems to me that Fluther gets spammed in waves. Is that because spam distributers have multiple clients? Or is there some internet site list that goes out? How does spam work? Or does it? Does anyone actually click on those stupid things? Does it actually produce any income?

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3 Answers

Bellatrix's avatar

No idea @syz but I just cleaned up a big pile of the shit. Grrr to spammers. I would love to know more about the ‘spam distribution’ process. Good question.

ETpro's avatar

Fluther an other such sites get spam when a spammer signs up and posts it. That happens in fits and starts. But the vast majority of spam is generated by bots and comes in constant torrents. However, if you use an email service that quickly reacts to the spammers, and an email client that allows you to label particular senders as spammers; then the bulk of that trash goes straight to the spam bin of your email system. Hence the impression that spam is sporadic and only hits social media sites you visit.

augustlan's avatar

The amount of spam we get is actually pretty consistent (In other words, it is constant. ALL. THE. TIME.), but we usually do a really good job of never letting anyone see it. Every now and again, the stars all align and there ends up being no mod on the site for several hours, letting the spam sit and be seen. Then it seems like a ‘wave of spam’, from a member’s perspective. That’s what happened today.

That said, we have experienced one or two spam attacks that actually did come in waves. I have no idea why that happens, though.

Also, spam sucks.

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